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Indiana Statewide Writing Contest – Grades 4-12

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Deadline – January 21, 2025

Letters About Literature is a letter writing contest for Indiana students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to the author (living or deceased) about how the book affected how they see themselves or how they see the world. Indiana students in grades 4-12 are eligible to enter the Indiana Letters About Literature reading and writing contest.

Watch our promotional video! / NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS!

 2025 Call for Entries

There are three competition levels:

  • Level I: Grades 4-6
  • Level II: Grades 7 & 8
  • Level III: Grades 9-12

Prizes are awarded to the following winners in each level:

  • First Place: $100.00
  • Second Place: $50.00
  • Third Place: $25.00
  • Indiana Author Letters (Awarded to the highest scored letter written to an Indiana Author): $50.00
  • Teacher Prize: $150 (Awarded annually to a teacher who has gone the extra mile to support their students in entering our contest)

All Indiana winners will be announced in late March, 2025 and will receive an invitation to the Virtual Awards Ceremony, as well as a prize pack (including free books!) mailed to their home. All Indiana winning letters are published in a booklet that is distributed free to the winning students. Our author for the Virtual Awards Ceremony will be Indiana Author, LISA FIPPS!

LAL supports educational standards established for reading and language arts.

The 2024-25 Letters About Literature contest for young readers is made possible by the James and Madeleine McMullen Family Foundation and the Indiana State Library Foundation.

Please let me know if you have any questions and please forward to an educator who might be interested in this opportunity!

Contest Website: https://www.in.gov/library/icb/lal/

Indiana Statewide Writing Contest – Grades 4-12 Read More »

SoIN Big Read begins September 22 | Kickoff event September 24

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The SoIN Big Read is a regional reading event hosted by libraries and local organizations. The event promotes reading and celebrates the joy of learning as a community. This year’s Big Read book is Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut. Participating organizations: Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana, Clark County Reads, Floyd County Public Library, Harrison County Public Library, Jeffersonville Township Public Library, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library.

Get your copy of Player Piano at any HCPL branch!

SoIN Big Read Kickoff

Tuesday, September 24 · 6:30 – 8pm EDT

Ivy Tech Community College: Auditorium, 8204 Highway 311 Sellersburg, IN 47172

Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Join us for this exciting FREE event to kick off the SoIN Big Read! Reserve your spot at the kickoff event

The sponsors are excited to host artist Edith Vonnegut Squibb, daughter of literary icon Kurt Vonnegut, and celebrated author Jess Walter of The Cold Millions, Beautiful Ruins, and other titles for a compelling discussion on the significance of free speech and the lasting impact of Vonnegut’s work.

As they delve into topics related to book banning, Squibb will offer a unique perspective on her father’s fearless approach to controversial topics and his belief in the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire change.

Walter will bring his own experiences as a writer to the conversation, reflecting on how the fight for free speech continues to shape the literary landscape. Together, they will explore the ongoing relevance of Vonnegut’s voice in defending the right to read and write without restriction, highlighting the critical role of literature in safeguarding freedom of expression.

This kickoff event is sponsored by the Jeffersonville Township Public Library Foundation and Indiana Humanities.

2024 SoIN Big Read Events

SoIN Big Read begins September 22 | Kickoff event September 24 Read More »

A Time to Honor Veterans

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Last November 2023, the Indiana DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) and Harrison County Veterans held an event in which Indiana Veterans who served during the Vietnam War era were gifted an archival-quality hardbound book, A Time to Honor: Stories of Service, Duty, and Sacrifice.

This FREE Gift Program was part of the Service for Veterans State Indiana DAR (INDAR) Project in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) & Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans (WHVV).

Harrison County Public Library and the Frederick Porter Griffin Center are excited to accept two additional copies of the Indiana Edition of the book, gifted by the local DAR, The Hoosier Elm Chapter, and make them available for all patrons to view and check out.  The Palmyra Branch had already received a copy from DAR.  Plans are to provide all HCPL branches a copy of the book.

Filled with real stories representing men and women from all states, branches of service, and Military Occupational Specialties, A Time to Honor also includes the feature DVD documentary The Journey Home, which focuses on what America and the Vietnam Veterans have learned, and felt, since first coming home over fifty years ago.

Thank you to The Hoosier Elm Chapter NSDAR, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and ALL INDIANA VETERANS!

Written by Kathy Fisher

A Time to Honor Veterans Read More »

Young Voices Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12

Contest, Notices, Youth Activities / /

Indianapolis, IN: Poetry Society of Indiana announces the 2024 Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest. First place winners will receive public acknowledgement on the PSI website and social media platforms. The poems may be published in the annual anthology Ink to Paper.

Contest Guidelines:

Open state-wide to public, private, and homeschool students in grades 3-12

Recommendation by a teacher required

Original unpublished work only

One poem submission per student

30-line limit (including blank lines)

No submission fees

​Contest Categories:

Category 1:  Grades 3 & 4

Category 2:  Grades 5 & 6

Category 3:  Grades 7 & 8

Category 4:  Grades 9 & 10

Category 5:  Grades 11 & 12

PDF: PSI Young Voices Annual Contest Guidelines and Submission Form


Deadline for submissions is September 20, 2024.

There is no fee. Additional details are at this link:

PSI Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest (poetrysocietyofindiana.org)

 

About Poetry Society of Indiana: Poetry Society of Indiana (PSI), founded in 1941,

is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and encouraging poets in Indiana. PSI seeks to unite poets in friendship and understanding while recognizing cultural heritage and linguistic contexts.

Prior to 2016, Poetry Society of Indiana was known as Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs (ISFPC).

CONTACT:  All questions should be directed to [email protected], with “Young Voices contest” in the subject line.

Young Voices Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12 Read More »

Shakespeare on the Corydon Capitol Square a Hit

Adult Program, Latest, Notices, Youth Activities / /

Friday evening, May 10, was a beautiful weather day for the library to host the kick-off of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour 2024 of The Tempest at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site lawn and gazebo. Attendance was 155 with many late comers.

Co-director Martin French welcomes the crowd.
The youth actors on a ship in a storm

The family-friendly play was shortened by James Thompson to be accessible and clear. The youth in the audience were added as cast members and were able to take the stage 3 different times. The children helped begin the play as seafarers (with pirate hats) and were tossed side to side on the ship during the storm. Then the cast took over as the tempest continued.

The tempest tosses the ship.
Miranda, Prospero and Caliban
Apparitions (youth) created by Ariel torment and scare Alonsa and Anonette

The crowed covered all generations. Comments were all positive about the play. location and weather. One set of parents stated that their children had “caught the acting bug” and other families all had positive comments about their children’s experience. Overall, a great time was had by all.

Cast List:
Prospero – Clara Burton
Alonsa – Susan Brooks
Miranda/Trinculo – Kaila Gelback
Caliban/Boatswain – Hayley Ginger
Gonzalo/Stephano – Bryce Woodard
Ferdinand/Antonette – Brayli Temple
Ariel – All actors

Co-director/Producer: Martin French
Co-director/Script Adaptation: James Thompson

The actors and youth take a bow
Cast ends with s sea chanty

If you missed the program, click on the link for more dates of the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour 2024.  2024 Shakespeare Spring Tour Poster

Shakespeare on the Corydon Capitol Square a Hit Read More »

“SCENES FROM YESTERYEAR” SCAN-A-THON DAYS IN MAY

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Do you have interesting (identifiable) local photographs of grandpa’s business, your ancestral home, street scenes, interesting people, parades, or other historic images just sitting around in a shoebox or basement?  Share them!

Every year in May, preservation groups, historical societies, businesses and civic organizations across the country celebrate Historic Preservation Month.  This year is no different.  Presented through a series of “Scan-a-thon” events, the Frederick Porter Griffin Center is joining forces with the Historical Society of Harrison County to promote the importance of preserving local history.  As part of an ongoing collaborative project with The Corydon Democrat, the Historical Society is seeking to collect “Scenes From Yesteryear” photographs from the public.

During each scan-a-thon, Historical Society President Karen Schwartz and FPGC staff will look through photos, record details, and make high-resolution scans while you wait.  All documents will be carefully handled and immediately returned to the owners.  (**If owners wish to receive digital copies of their contributions they must provide their own flash drives at the event**) Karen stated, “This is a great opportunity to preserve your photos and information for posterity.  Please join the Historical Society of Harrison County in our mission to preserve, protect, promote and interpret the rich history of Harrison County!”  Any images and information collected may be published in the newspaper and may be featured in the Library’s Digital Archives Collection. https://cdm17251.contentdm.oclc.org/

Subjects desired include photographs, postcards, and the like, of all eras (up to the present) that the owner can positively identify of Harrison County houses, farms, businesses, schools, churches, bands, clubs, transportation, or interesting people; including portraits of prominent or pioneer residents, people participating in activities, or great snapshots of everyday life.  Help commemorate Historic Preservation Month!

Scan-a-thon Dates

Thursday May 2 (10-3) *Note the early ending – Happy Thurby!
Monday May 6 (10-4)
Wednesday May 15 (10-4)
Tuesday May 21 (10-4)
Saturday May 25 (10-4)
Friday May 31 (10-4)

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon.  For more information, call 812-738-5412.

Article by Kathy Fisher

“SCENES FROM YESTERYEAR” SCAN-A-THON DAYS IN MAY Read More »

LIBRARY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECEPTION – Thursday, April 25

Adult Activities, Latest, Notices / /

Harrison County Public Library will recognize and thank valuable library volunteers during a recognition reception on April 25 from 1 – 2:30 PM. The reception occurs during National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated annually during the third week of April. It is a time to spotlight volunteers, provide an opportunity to say thank you and help inspire others to volunteer their time and talents.

HCPL has dependable and energetic volunteers who offer a variety of experience and expertise. Harrison County Public Library values each of the 20 volunteers who provide service to the library and help HCPL better serve the community.

The library board of trustees are volunteers appointed by local elected officials: the county council, the county commissioners and the school boards. HCPL’s seven board members serve four-year terms and oversee the finance, policy and planning activities at the library.

Thank you board members for your dedication of time, talent and expertise:
Kathy Crimans – President
Sharon Mathes – Vice-President
Barbara Smith – Secretary
Derrick Grigsby – Treasurer
Members at Large – Jon Howerton, Roger Windell & Pam Bennett Martin

Behind every successful library is an active Friends of the Library group. The Friends of Harrison County Library, Inc. raises funds through book sales for programs, activities and supplies. Along with monetary funding, the Friends will lend a hand at special events. They sponsor the prize books given to the youth during the summer reading challenge. The Friends meet every other month beginning in January and host a book sale on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the Book Box. The Book Box is the building in the library’s back parking lot. The Friends also raise money through membership. An individual membership is $5.00.

Thank you Friends of the Library for your time and support:
Cyndi Voyles – President
Cindy Daily – Vice-President
Christine Pendleton – Treasurer
Susan Isbell – Secretary
Active Volunteers – Lynne Schipp & Karen Eves

Though many adult programs are provided by librarians, others are led by volunteers who bring quality programming through their expertise in specific areas such as book discussion, photography, painting, manga & anime, and English as a Second Language.

Thank you volunteer programmers for your dedication and expertise:
Gary Pope – Memories and Memoirs Book Club
Gabriele Williams – Through the Lens – photography
Aaron Blackman – Manga and Anime Club
Jamie Babcock – Painting with Jamie
Elizabeth Redding – English as a Second Language tutoring

The general public may not realize that a small group of volunteers repairs and cleans library materials. Think of it as a book hospital where trained volunteers care for damaged materials. Library users should not attempt to make book repairs at home. If there is a tear or rip in a book’s page or a binding becomes loose, the library volunteers can repair it with glue or a binding machine. Inside each CD case is a paper to note issues or disc problems.

Thank you cleaning and repair volunteers:
Christine Pendleton – Book repair
Lynne Schipp – Book repair
Walter Ryan – DVD cleaning and repair
Jessica Fulk – Clean and shelve juvenile books

Happy National Volunteer Week!

LIBRARY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECEPTION – Thursday, April 25 Read More »

Tell us how you “library” to win!

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Hey library lovers, it’s that time of year again—National Library Week! We need your help spreading some library love by sharing what you appreciate most about the services and resources your library provides.

Do you love getting lost in the stories of the library’s summer reading program, storytime, or book club? When you walk through the library’s doors, are you looking for a quiet nook to study or a makerspace to harness your creativity? What’s your favorite thing to check out—books, movies, cake pans, seeds? Do you attend programs to enrich your mind, meet local authors, or find support from your community?

We want to know how YOU library!

Participating is easy:

  1. Snap a pic or shoot a video showcasing your favorite thing about your library.
  2. Post to Instagram, X, Threads, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page with the hashtag #HowILibrary.
  3. Don’t forget to tag Harrison County Public Library!

What’s in it for you?
In addition to the gratification of supporting libraries, there’s also a chance to win great prizes.

  • Grand Prize (1 winner): A VISA gift card ($150.00 value) and choice of one ALA Graphics poster.
  • Second Prize (3 winners): Choice of one ALA Graphics poster.

So, let’s see those book stacks, creative reading spots, and all the adventures that libraries take you on! If you don’t have a photo to share, check out the Library Elements graphics at ilovelibraries.org. The promotion starts Sunday, April 7, at noon CT and ends Friday, April 12, at noon CT.

Join the #HowILibrary movement, and let’s make this the best National Library Week ever! Official Rules (PDF)

Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media.

Be sure to follow HCPL on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out on all we have to offer.
Post one of our available graphics to your social media account and join the conversation by using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

 

National Library Week 2024: Ready, Set, Library! featured on the ALA website

Tell us how you “library” to win! Read More »

“Saturday Spotlight” at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center: MARCH MANIA!

Adult Activities, Adult Program, Genealogy - Local History, Notices / /

We’ve made it! Even as February tossed an extra day at us, March has finally, well… marched right on in. It sure is packed with exciting moments to commemorate. It’s a special month for many people. It’s celebrated by band kids (who march forth on the 4th ). Soon will be time to “Spring Forward” with Daylight Saving Time (10th ). Basketball fans love their brackets; Irish Americans look for luck. Be sure to grab a slice on 3.14 for Pi Day, and so on…

After a brief winter hiatus, the Frederick Porter Griffin Center is ready to reenter the madness with Saturday Spotlight programming all month long. The public is invited to drop in and join the Head of Genealogy, Kathy Fisher, to celebrate multiple aspects of notable March-related holidays and presentations. Kathy stated, “March is fun! There’s something that just about anyone can get excited and learn more about. Researchers of all levels are welcome! You can get creative with it, too. Stop in and see us; maybe you’ll even spot a leprechaun.”

Each Saturday during the month will offer something different. Featured topics include:
March 9 – President William Henry Harrison’s Inauguration
March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day,
March 23 – Women’s History Month
March 30 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Saturdays don’t work for you? The FPGC staff is always on hand to answer questions during regular hours throughout the year. Any and all of the resources at the Genealogy Library, including free use of microfilm, books, family files, the Community News collection, and library editions of databases such as Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers.com are available.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

Article by Kathy Fisher

“Saturday Spotlight” at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center: MARCH MANIA! Read More »

HCPL app

The HCPL app is now functioning!

Latest, New services, Notices, Technology / /

After a few months of waiting, the Harrison County Public Library app is working again! The HCPL app (and many other libraries’ apps) went dark in late October due to unforeseen issues with the contracted app developer.

The HCPL app prioritizes a library user’s needs and places the Harrison County Public Library virtually in their hands. One can quickly see the items that they have checked out or on hold, search the entire online catalog that now includes digital content from OverDrive and hoopla. Library users can view, listen or download titles directly from the app.

The app offers one-stop access to browsing and registering for library activities for all ages, all HCPL eResources, current HCPL news, and links to social media. The app also features a handy virtual library card to present to library staff when checking out items.

“By using the library app, a person only has to look in one place for everything—they don’t have to go to separate websites or browse multiple apps. The app gives users easy access to HCPL services and resources wherever they are whenever they need them,” said Alisa Burch, Library Director. “If you have a phone or mobile device you can easily borrow eBooks and electronic audiobooks, stream movies and locate and reserve traditional print books and DVDs all from one app.”

If you have a question about the app, please visit www.hcpl.lib.in.us and click on “Contact Us”, or call your local HCPL branch.

The HCPL app is now functioning! Read More »

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